ASSISTANT DIRECTOR COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC AFFAIRS SCI

Code: 90616 State Unclassified Range: X98 (FY 2027)

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under general direction of the Commissioners of the State Commission of Investigation, and the specific direction of the Executive Director or Deputy Director, acts as the Commission's public affairs and communications director. Provides confidential advice to members of the Commission and its senior staff on a wide range of investigative, policy and public relations matters. Plans, directs and performs work involved in the collection, preparation and dissemination of substantive materials for print and electronic media outlets regarding investigative findings and recommendations, policy issues and legislative matters. Works with staff counsel and investigative personnel in the conduct, performance and completion of investigations, the writing and editing of reports and the production of public hearings

Examples of work

• Provide confidential advice, collectively and individually, to members of the Commission and its senior staff on a wide range of investigative, policy, and public relations matters.
• Serve as the Commission's communication director, respond to media inquiries, and advance the Commission's agenda via dissemination of press materials and regular consultations and interviews with reporters, editors, and producers on a statewide, regional, and national scale.
• Work with staff counsel, investigative special agents and accountants in the conduct and completion of investigations.
• Establish and direct liaison activities with public affairs, communications, and other staff personnel of local, state, and federal governmental agencies on matters of mutual self- interest and joint cooperation.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with representatives of the press, radio, television to collect and disseminate accurate current information.
• Write, edit, and ensure proper production of final written reports of investigations completed by the Commission and disseminated to the public.
• Assist in the preparation and conduct of public hearings held by the Commission.
• Prepare policy papers, written statements, talking points, testimony, etc. for presentation by Commission members and staff in a variety of venues, including public hearings, press conferences, legislative committee hearings and other events requiring official Commission input.
• Provide material for, and assist in the maintenance of, the Commission's Internet web site.
• Provide appropriate assignments and instructions to professional, technical, and clerical staff and supervise the performance of their work.
• Supervise the establishment and maintenance of essential records and files.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in communications or related fields.

Experience

Eight (8) years experience in the collection, analysis, preparation, and dissemination of information in a public relations and/or public information program including writing and editing experience in daily print or electronic journalism in a large public or private organization, five (5) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. A minimum of three (3) years of the experience shall have involved the interpretation and application of public policy.

<b>LICENSES</b>

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than the employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the rules, regulations, policies and procedures of the Commission and its functions, organization, responsibilities, and operation.
• Knowledge Federal, State and Local Laws and the relationships among these various entities.
• Knowledge of procedures involved to collect, analyze, and interpret complex, factual data.
• Knowledge of basic principles and materials with editing editorial programming, journalism, and public relations.
• Knowledge of problems encountered in using factual data obtained from various sources, drawing reasonable and current conclusions, and in making use of facts pertinent to specific cases in clear, concise, and informative articles, reports and news releases for publication.
• Knowledge of methods used in preparing copy for printers and in arranging for illustrations including photographs and charts.
• Ability to evaluate the public information potential and discern public reaction to Commission investigations and the impact of that on the Commission.
• Ability to utilize communication and media for the dissemination of information.
• Ability to gather, analyze, and interpret information on a variety of subject relevant to Commission investigations and public policy.
• Ability to arrange and/or conduct information programs, interviews, press conferences and other programs utilized to disseminate public information.
• Ability to plan, organize, select, and present information is a suitable form for presentation and use by varied public information media.
• Ability to establish liaison and maintain cooperative working relationships with legislators, public officials representatives of the press, radio and television.
• Ability to analyze and interpret basic laws, relations, policies, and standards and apply them to specific situations.
• Ability to effectively write and edit brochures, bulletins, reports and other publications relating to Commission findings, analyses, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Ability to work independently or as a team player, and function effectively including periods of intense concentration and high stress.
• Ability to assign and instruct professional, technical, clerical and other employees, and supervise the performance of their work.
• Ability to comprehend, analyze, and apply policies and procedures to work schedules and personnel problems encountered.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
• CODES: 98/X98- MCK 12/10/05/05

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.